Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for knowledge extraction, transfer and use of stored data, wherein data files in a computer system are checked. The method includes: providing a knowledge base for a data file type, the data file being of the data file type; applying the knowledge base to the data file; and; providing output data indicative of a result of the applying the knowledge base to the data file. This output data may then be printed or otherwise displayed. The computer system may also automatically correct the data file based on this output data.

Abstract: A washer faced spring assembly is disclosed for a motion absorbing and motion damping application which includes a first washer having a circular or polygonal hole therethrough centered about a central axis, a second washer disposed opposite to the first washer also having a circular or polygonal hole therethrough centered about a central axis disposed generally coincident with the hole of the first washer, and a spring connected between the first washer and the second washer, the spring including a plurality of fingers providing planar or full surface contact between the first and second washers. The washer faced spring assembly may also include a base portion utilized in conjunction with the plurality of fingers, where the base portion has one of several alternative shapes, such as circular or polygonal.

Abstract: A design system for designing brackets for gas turbine engines is described. The system may be implemented with a computer workstation and includes a part model library and a drawing note library. The computer workstation is configured to receive a bracket model in electronic form as input and has a number of executable modules stored therein. The system outputs a bracket master model and detail drawings. In one embodiment, the modules include a bracket intelligence builder module for generating intelligence data for the bracket model, a bracket unfolding module for unfolding a bracket model to a flat pattern, a bracket folding module to fold a bracket flat pattern, and a bracket minimum material check module to check for minimum distances between bracket pattern features. Other modules also are described and may form a elements of the system.

Abstract: A tubular wear sleeve includes radially outer and inner surfaces, with the inner surface having at least one protuberance extending radially inwardly therefrom for being received in a complementary indentation in a fluid carrying tube for restraining relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a bracket to a fixed member, the fixed member and the bracket each having at least one opening therethrough, where the apparatus includes a bolt having a threaded body and a head at a first end of the threaded body, where the bolt head abuts against a first surface of the fixed member, a nut threadably engaged to a second end of the threaded body, and a spacer positioned between the fixed member and the nut having an opening therethrough, the spacer having a flared portion at a first end which engages the bracket opening, wherein the threaded body of the bolt is positioned through the bracket opening, the spacer opening and the fixed member opening and secured together by the nut.

Abstract: An expansion joint for connecting first and second fluid-carrying pipes comprising first and second annular couplings which are operably affixable to respective ones of the pipes. In a preferred embodiment the couplings include cylindrical bores of substantially the same diameter disposed relative to one another to form a passage for providing flow communication between the pipes. An annular bellows extends between the couplings for accommodating relative axial movement and angular misalignment between the pipes and is disposed radially outward of the passage to capture any fluid leaking between the interfacing surfaces of the couplings. A second cylindrical bore of a first one of the couplings engages an outer spherical surface of the second coupling to allow the second coupling to pivot in a manner which accommodates angular misalignment between the pipes.

Abstract: A tube coupling assembly for use in connecting first and second fluid-carrying tubes comprising an annular sleeve member and an annular ferrule which are operably affixable to respective ones of the tubes. A tube connector and a coupling nut threadingly engage one another so as to force first and second spherical surfaces of the sleeve member against generally frusto-conical surfaces of the ferrule and coupling nut respectively, thereby forming a fluid sealing means and accommodating angular misalignment between the tubes. An internal locking means is provided for preventing the disengagement of the sealing means. The coupling nut and tube connector each include wrenching surfaces which must be used to torque the assembly, with the applied torque and counter-torque avoiding torsional loading of the tubes.